Definition

1. Noun:
   • (Persian folklore) a supernatural being descended from fallen angels and excluded from paradise until penance is done: In Persian mythology, a 'peri' is a type of beautiful, fairy-like spirit. They are often depicted as benevolent or neutral beings who were once angels but were cast out of paradise and can earn redemption.
   • A beautiful and graceful girl: By extension, the word is used poetically to describe a woman or girl of exceptional beauty and elegance.

Usage Examples

• Noun (Mythological Being):
  • The tale described a peri who helped the lost prince find his way.
  • In the story, the peri had to perform a great deed to regain entry to heaven.
• Noun (Poetic for a Woman):
  • With her elegant dance, she moved like a peri across the stage.
  • He wrote a poem comparing his love to a radiant peri.

Advanced Usage

• "Peri" in Comparative Contexts: Used to emphasize extreme beauty or otherworldly grace.
  • Her voice was not human; it was the song of a peri.
• Capitalization: When referring specifically to the mythological beings of Persian lore, it is sometimes capitalized as "Peri".
  • The painting depicted a Peri watching over a sleeping child.

Variants and Related Words

• Peris (plural): The standard plural form of 'peri'.
  • The garden was said to be inhabited by peris.

Synonyms

• Fairy: A small, magical being, often with wings (though 'peri' is specific to Persian lore).
• Nymph: A mythological spirit of nature, often depicted as a beautiful maiden.
• Sprite: A small, elusive supernatural creature.
• (For the poetic sense) Vision, Grace, Beauty.

Related Phrases & Idioms

(Note: 'Peri' is not commonly used in modern English phrasal verbs or idioms. Its use is primarily literary or specific to folklore.) - "As beautiful as a peri": A simile used in literary descriptions. - The queen was as beautiful as a peri from an ancient legend.

Noun

1. (Persian folklore) a supernatural being descended from fallen angels and excluded from paradise until penance is done
2. a beautiful and graceful girl